The Communication Toolbox has moved to 215 Sandhurst Boulevard, Sandhurst Vic 3977! The clinic is spacious, sun-lit and importantly, well resourced and I am looking forward to my first session here on Thursday!
We Have Moved!
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Taking the Time to Communicate: Using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Before establishing The Communication Toolbox, I spent four years working with the Aids and Equipment Program, Electronic Communication Devices Scheme. In this role I provided Electronic Communication Devices, software and communication apps for people who had difficulty communicating verbally. I also provided the client’s team with some initial training in how to use the device. This training covered the important basics of setting up the device and how to charge it etc but I always wished for more time to spend on my true passion: supporting people to use their device in the long term. This has been the impetus for creating The Communication Toolbox, a private speech pathology practice that assists people with complex communication needs to evaluate and implement Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) options.
Learning to communicate is a journey that takes time, especially for those learning to communicate without speech. Using AAC may include the use of gestures, pictures and communication boards, as well as more complex systems like Electronic Communication Devices or apps such as Proloquo2Go.
For those who use communication systems that contain stored pictures, words or phrases, sessions at The Communication Toolbox might include:
- Creating a map of folders in your communication system that contain all the words you like to use, as well as room for what you might like to say in the future
- Identifying core vocabulary items that relate to the activities you enjoy, so that you can access the words you need at the appropriate time
- Storing vocabulary items within your communication system so they can be accessed quickly without requiring too much navigation through folders
- Programming vocabulary logically so that you can find what you want to say
For most people, the process of learning to communicate via AAC is long-term endeavour and requires motivation, practise and access to communication partners who are skilled in communicating through the chosen AAC method. Ample time should be spent modelling the use of the AAC system before any expectations of using the system should be placed upon the person. It takes time to:
- Establish trust
- Develop receptive language skills (e.g. learn new vocabulary and how the words fit into sentences)
- Develop confidence to communicate (especially if one has not had the opportunity to experience communicative success before)
- Learn how to use the communication system
- Learn how and where words are stored in the communication system
I read a fantastic comment the other day on Proloquo2Go’s Facebook page (posted by Jennifer):
“Too often we stop trying AAC if the person doesn’t start using it right away! Typically developing children get 12 months of people talking to them before they’re expected to speak!”
How true! This comment illustrates the importance of perseverance when learning to use AAC.
To access the full conversation thread, please visit http://www.facebook.com/proloquo2go/posts/10150563626711053, posted on March 2, 2012 at 11:57AM.
Great News about Proloquo2Go!
In my last post I wrote about how it would be great if you could program recorded speech onto buttons in Proloquo2Go. Well…Happy New Year everyone because it’s going to happen! On the 31st of December, 2011, the Proloquo2Go Facebook page announced that “the ability to record and play back audio” will be added in 2012! It will be available as a free update and “will be added after [version] 2.0, probably in 2.1 or 2.2”. This will be a fantastic addition to the Proloquo2Go app!
I’ve previously outlined a few ideas for using audio in Proloquo2Go and I have some more to add to the list:
– recording cheers to use when watching sports
– singing a song (depending upon whether there is a time limit on the recording)
– people who are able to produce clear speech at the start of the day but fatigue as time passes might like to record their own voice into Proloquo2Go
To access the full Facebook post and comments, please follow the link: http://www.facebook.com/proloquo2go?ref=ts
Making Proloquo2Go Even Better
I recently emailed AssistiveWare (the company that created Proloquo2Go) with some suggestions for inclusion in a future software update. Wouldn’t it be great if you could program recorded speech or a sound file onto buttons in Proloquo2Go? The possibilities would be endless! You could record or add:
– laughter (instead of relying on a vocabulary item that says” ha ha ha” – which can sound a little sarcastic!)
– drama lines (for all the performers out there)
– whistles (e.g. to get a friend’s attention)
– gasps (great to convey surprise in a conversation)
I’d love to read your suggestions too. Please feel free to leave a reply via the link below.
Proloquo2Go
I’ve just been reading about the new update for Proloquo2Go, a great app that allows you to communicate using symbols and text via your iPhone, iPad touch or iPad. The app is relatively easy to use and can be customised to include all the vocabulary items you need for specific activities, which can be arranged within categories.
I’ve been doing lots of Proloquo2Go programming lately and am really happy that the bug that makes buttons move around within categories has been fixed!
For more information on Proloquo2Go, please visit http://www.proloquo2go.com/
The Communication Toolbox
The Communication Toolbox provides speech pathology services for children and adults who want:
- advice and information about communication aids and devices
- training and guidance on the use of technology for communication
- therapy aimed at further developing speech and communication skills
We provide Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) options such as communication boards and books, Electronic Communication Devices and computer software.
thecommunicationtoolbox.com.au 